Parts for your 2002 Toyota Echo|yaris-Crank angle sensor

2002 Toyota Echo/Yaris crank angle sensor (crankshaft position sensor)

Yes, the 2002 Toyota Echo/Yaris is fitted with a crank angle sensor. Toyota’s factory service manual for the 1NZ-FE/2NZ-FE engines (Engine Control System – Crankshaft Position Sensor [NE]) identifies and tests this sensor, and the 2002 Echo/Yaris Electrical Wiring Diagram shows its NE signal wired to the ECU. Independent workshop texts such as the Haynes Toyota Yaris/Echo 1999–2005 manual also include diagnosis and replacement procedures for the crankshaft position sensor on this model.

On this Echo/Yaris, the crank angle sensor (often called the crankshaft position or CKP sensor, Toyota label “NE”) is the ECU’s eyes on crank speed and exact crank angle. It reads a toothed wheel on the crank to time spark and fuel injection, track misfires, and manage idle. If it plays up, the car may crank but not start, stumble, or randomly stall. The check engine light often logs codes like P0335–P0339 when the signal is missing or erratic.

Typical signs it’s time to sort the sensor or its wiring under the bonnet include:

• Hard starting or a no-start when hot or cold
• Intermittent stalling at lights
• Lumpy idle, poor fuel economy, or sluggish throttle response
• Check engine light with CKP-related fault codes

Location-wise, it’s mounted at the front of the engine, reading the crank through the timing chain cover near the crank pulley. There’s not much “maintenance” to do on the sensor itself, but good servicing practice on a 20+ year-old Echo/Yaris includes:

• Inspect the CKP connector and harness for heat-hardening, oil contamination, or chafing, especially around the A/C compressor and behind the right-hand headlight.
• Fix any oil leaks from the timing cover that can soak the sensor O-ring and plug.
• If the tip has metal fuzz, wipe it gently with a clean rag—don’t sand or file it.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent DIYer:

1. Disconnect the battery negative and let the car sit a few minutes.
2. Unplug the sensor, remove the hold-down bolt, and twist the sensor out—don’t pry on the plastic body.
3. Lightly oil the new O-ring, seat the sensor flush, and tighten the bolt to the factory spec in the service manual.
4. Clear any fault codes, then road-test to confirm clean starts and a stable idle.

Genuine or quality OEM-equivalent sensors tend to be the most reliable, and if faults persist after replacement, check the harness continuity and ECU grounds before chasing anything more exotic. Done right, a fresh CKP will have the little Toyota starting first turn and running sweet for many more kilometres.

• Where is the crank angle sensor on a 2002 Echo/Yaris?
  It sits at the front of the engine, reading a reluctor on the crank via the timing chain cover, close to the crank pulley. Access is usually easiest from the right-hand side of the bay or through the wheel arch with the splash guard loosened.
• Can a faulty crank angle sensor be cleaned or must it be replaced?
  Light debris can be wiped off the tip, but if the sensor is failing electrically or the signal is dropping out, cleaning won’t fix it. Given the age of these cars, replacement with a quality unit is the reliable cure.
• What are the common fault codes for this sensor on the Echo/Yaris?
  The ECU typically logs P0335 (crankshaft position sensor circuit) and related variants (P0336–P0339) when the signal is missing, intermittent, or out of range. Always check wiring and connectors before condemning the sensor.